The Testimony of Lamoni

During Sunday school last week I had an interesting experience. Actually, so far I've had really great experiences almost every week here in our new ward. I love the teachers!

We were discussing the sons of Mosiah and their diligence in teaching the gospel to the Lamanites. Most of us are familiar with the story of Ammon and King Lamoni. The King had been so touched by the spirit that he "believed all [Ammon's] words." (Alma 18:40) He was so humbled by this experience that his strength completely failed him and "he fell unto the earth, as if he were dead." (Alma 18:42)

It wasn't until three days later that he arose. He immediately began praising God saying, "blessed be the name of God." (Alma 19:12) He then said something that hasn't ever hit me quite as hard as it did on Sunday. Lamoni testified, "behold, I have seen my Redeemer." (Alma 19:13) After reading this line, our tender-hearted and humble teacher then paused, holding back his obviously profound emotions, and with sincerity and modesty asked, "If any words were to be coveted, would not these be they?"

What a profound and reflective question! Words cannot describe how I long for that same privilege to say, "behold, I have seen my Redeemer!"

I am humbled and grateful for teachers like this. I am so grateful to him for preparing properly for that lesson. By so doing, he was able to follow the guidance of the spirit, which ultimately touched me profoundly. I will never read that passage again without reevaluating my commitment to my Redeemer!